Transparency of MPs must to fight graft
CPA members opine
HARUN UR RASHID
Members of the Small Branches under Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) yesterday said that transparency of MPs, freedom of the press and institutional accountability are necessary to combat corruption. Speaking to The Independent, some of the members of the Small Branches said although the gravity of corruption is not very serious in their own countries or territorial states, the recent killing of an investigative journalist in Malta was a matter of serious concern.
The CPA members stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect for the slain journalist. They said corruption would be rampant unless the freedom of the press is not ensured. Margaret Quirk, the Labour Party MP from Australia, told The Independent she has made several recommendations as to how to combat corruption and how MPs can play a key role in eradicating it.
Among the recommendations are free flow of information, role of journalists in fighting corruption, and training of public sector employers and employees. The MPs have to be role models in combating corruption, she said. Margaret Quirk
said anti-corruption awareness programmes can be taken to enhance the ethical standards of public employers and employees, including politicians.
Edwin Reyes, an MP from Gibraltar, said the killing of the Malta journalist was a matter of serious concern and that the parliament has to ensure the freedom of the press. As an MP, I may not know everything about whats happening around us, but a journalist can point out the problems of people. Freedom of the press is very important. Corruption should not be used to silence the press, he added. He has also said good governance has to be ensured to let people know what the government is doing for them.
Farrel Smithen, an MP from Nevis Island, said: All MPs have to ensure transparency in their work. When you are in power, it is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability. Only then when you are in the opposition, you can raise questions on what the government is doing.
There is no serious corruption in our country because the people are intelligent and conscious of their rights. The scope of corruption is very limited in our country, he added.
The impact of climate change have unnerved most of the MPs, especially those from the small island countries in Pacific and Caribbean regions. Many countries in the Caribbean region were badly affected by Hurricane Maria. They expressed concern over the impact of climate change, saying they are suffering the most, even though they make little contribution in terms of carbon emission. These countries are now contemplating 100 per cent use of renewable energy by 2020.
Margaret Quirk said climate change is a matter of grave concern for all countries. The number of climate refugees is increasing from the Carribean and Pacific regions, she added.
She also said that they might not arrive at any resolution at the conference over the issue, but the MPs of respective countries would inform their parliaments on the matter.
Edwin Reyes said the whole world is now being affected by climate change. The impact of climate change has even spread to small islands of Caribbean and mid-American regions. Even Mediterranean countries are facing the brunt of climate change, he noted.
Although the small countries contribute insignificantly to carbon emission, they are suffering the most. Developed countries are responsible for this and they must take the responsibility, he added. He also said that the members of the Small Branches are thinking of adopting renewable energy to cut down on carbon emissions.
Climate change has become a global threat. Were thinking of using renewable energy to reduce carbon emission, said Farrel Smithen.
